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a short message from the lion's den

Hi all,

As it transpired, some of you feel concerned and sometimes surprised by my angry tone and grumpy nature. It is true that I sometimes go over the top, choosing to speak very little, writing a few posts and getting my point accross too bluntly. If you know me, and quite a few people here have practiced on line and in the flesh with the beast, then you know that I am a very kind and peaceful person, full of passion at times, and they will tell you that there is no reason to fear my presence. quite the opposite, actually.

I will make a special effort to improve my written communication skills and you can, without a shadow of a doubt, trust this coming retreat in Washington to be relaxed, warm and not threatening at all.

I, personally, rather like the grumpiness and bluntness you sometimes bring, if only because I know I can stand to be knocked out of my own nonsense from time to time. It reminds me of an old professor I had who had a very positive impact on my life.

But, I recognize that perhaps that style isn't for anyone. Thank you for everything you do.

Gassho,
Zac

However much we become enlightened, it is not very much.
Rupan shunyata shunyataiva rupan

Well....I always find passion for the Dharma in your teachings...in a lovely poem, a peaceful words, or a whack in our deluded heads, that we surely need from time to time....so, for all that, thank you teacher

Gassho, Shawn Jakudo Hinton
It all begins when we say, “I”. Everything that follows is illusion.
"Even to speak the word Buddha is dragging in the mud soaking wet; Even to say the word Zen is a total embarrassment."
寂道

Taigu Sensei, to me, your expansive heart and deep wisdom is very apparent.

I think we 21rst century types would consider a lot of very traditional teaching methods to be pretty harsh, much more so than anything seen at Treeleaf. The literature abounds with examples.

Still, here we all are, now.

I have been blown into "outer orbits" a couple times by your responses, only to be drawn back by your other postings. I am very grateful for your teachings. I do not criticize your person. I send my thanks into your den.

Taigu,
In the countless times I have failed, f*#*#& up and been blind, I have been met with and received nothing but understanding, compassion (no, not always sweetness- but hey it was not what I needed, but never ever bitterness!), the worst beatings came/come from myself - getting back what I was giving out, I thank you!

thank you for your support, but I ll work hard on this tendency here anyway. Funny I just had a bit of a problem with a nice priest due to my rudeness and bad humor. That's what I am really, and don't you dare saying the opposite, a plain stupid European lad filled with the vulgarity of his native culture, France ( the land of Rabelais, and bad literature).

one can say things differently. Maybe some here might pick up my stick?

I'll pick up that stick and after hitting you over the head with it seven times, offer it back in prostration!

HAAAAAAAI!

No matter what Titan is passing this time, there is one thing Titans can never do: stand still and stay whit us. Only we as real humans can do that! No matter how large, formidable and frightening Titans may seem at times, they all pass. Lion in the lions den, EMPTY YOUR BOWL! Mu Shin.

Let me remind all our members of the following. It is posted in our letter welcoming everyone to our Forum. I am going to insist that it applies to newcomers, old members, novice priests, Teachers and the Buddha himself ...

The only 'rule' on the Forum, besides "Just Sitting" Zazen each day, is to be kind to each other and mutually maintain “gentle speech” in all communication, even when voices disagree on hot issues. Perhaps more than anything, this allows a warm, welcoming atmosphere for new and old, where people can open up without fear.

There may be times to speak up, speak directly and bring out the whip ... but we generally make that the exception and not a rule. I will remind myself of this as well.

thank you for your support, but I ll work hard on this tendency here anyway. Funny I just had a bit of a problem with a nice priest due to my rudeness and bad humor. That's what I am really, and don't you dare saying the opposite, a plain stupid European lad filled with the vulgarity of his native culture, France ( the land of Rabelais, and bad literature).

one can say things differently. Maybe some here might pick up my stick?

gassho

Taigu

Dear Taigu,

I wanted to say that I respect you for writing this and the reason my first response to this thread was a deep bow - no words - is because I did not want to detract from what you had written.

I did not want to salve what you had written because although you have always been kind to me there have been times when I've inwardly reacted to what felt like a harsh response from you to others.

We are all here to learn - in many ways. This includes teachers and you and Jundo have always promoted this view.

I don't have much truck with sticks - real or symbolic - but if we must use this metaphor, to pick up a teacher's stick requires courage. So it is actually quite scary for me to write this.

You are loved and respected here - but part of my respect for you is that I won't 'dare going saying the opposite' to what you have expressed - as you have requested

The guidance is appreciated. Since this ego tends to revel in complexity and profundity, a blunt admonishment or one word/line lesson is very beneficial. On the first post I ever wrote here you responded, "Throw it all away!" That one line did more for practice than an entire novel cloaked in depth ever could. I guess in the end it's like what a Buddhist friend once said, "Know your audience." Everyone is different, in that way I'd reckon we're all the same .